"There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin."
-- Linus van Pelt in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

North Carolina/Indiana Decide: Obama's Good News. But It Goes On.

So how about all that doom and gloom, eh?

Tonight was a much-needed happy night for Team Obama, as the Senator won a 56-42% victory in North Carolina. In Indiana, meanwhile, Sen. Clinton won a victory there, though by a tight 51-49% victory that ensures that they simply split the state's delegates. With tonight's delegate gains, the Obama camp predicts May 20 -- after which Kentucky, West Virginia, and Oregon will have voted-- is the date that they will have the majority of pledged delegates needed for the nomination. But there's still the superdelegate factor out there and it is that hope which ensures that Clinton will continue this fight through at least the beginning of June, but not hopefully not to the convention.

Sen. Obama gave a gracious speech tonight, congratulating Clinton right off the bat on Indiana, even though the networks hadn't yet called it. He then spoke of party unity, stating "I'm here tonight to tell you that I don't believe [Democrats are divided] ... This fall, we intend to march forward as one Democratic Party, united by a common vision for this country." He also spoke of how the GOP will attack him in the general election, noting that the real issue is how they deal with it. "The question, then, is not what kind of campaign they'll run, it's what kind of campaign we will run. It's what we will do to make this year different," he said. Watch for yourself.

I can't find a link to video of Sen. Clinton's speech (her YouTube channel is crap... nevermind, just found it), but the very first thing she did in the speech was say it's "full speed ahead" toward the White House. Umm, sure. She also continued to hammer home her gas tax holiday position and-- naturally-- makes the case for why you must count Michigan and Florida for her. Or else. She isn't finished yet, whatever that pesky math says otherwise.

Still, barring some freak surprise, the nomination is now unofficially Obama's. It is time to accept that and prepare for the real fight against Sen. McCain.